Opinion | Wilton-Durant Advocate News

Wilton’s Fifth Street turn lane is ‘totally irresponsible’

A few months ago I wrote a letter regarding the fact that we can’t seem to afford the upkeep on our pool or decent streets but now we’re getting a third lane on 5th Street for a turn … more

3/19/25

Not enough listening in Listening Posts

Pushback is growing against the wholesale firing of federal employees in the VA, FAA, National Park Service, Federal Arsenals, US Geological Survey and other public agencies. The head of the … more

Jim Glasson | 3/19/25

House bill combats 20 percent school absentee rate

Among the bills the Iowa Senate passed, Senate File 277 made several adjustments and clarifications to the chronic absenteeism policy that we passed last year. We have heard from many parents and schools about the policy, and we took what we heard into consideration when making some changes to the law. more

Kerry Gruenhagen | 3/18/25

Kaufmann bill eliminates rollback and $300M in tax credits

This week in the Legislature is the first week post-funnel. Initially, all 150 legislators can propose any bill at any time – leading to thousands of bills being filed. There has to be a system in place to narrow down those bills to the roughly 200 ideas that we will actually consider. more

Bobby Kaufmann | 3/18/25

Be a helping hand for Durant Food Pantry

Community can be a powerful thing, and as the Durant Iowa Food Pantry continues to support its neighbors, its team is also encouraging friends to support each other through tough times and being … more

3/12/25

Listening Posts connect with district residents

We have had almost 15 Listening Posts in towns across the District with more to come. The idea behind these meetings is for your legislators to come to your community and meet with residents. The local constituents have enjoyed us in their “backyards.” more

By Rep. Bobby Kaufmann | 3/12/25

Legislators' listening posts 'like pinning jello to the wall'

Some good news this week. Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen and Rep. Bobby Kaufmann stated at their Stockton listening post Saturday they oppose all public library bills moving through the statehouse. These … more

By Suzan Erem | 3/5/25

Have a little empathy

I was born a biological girl, and I’ve always thought of myself as a girl. I’ve never had to question my gender identity, and while I may not be the most girly or feminine woman around, … more

3/5/25

Transgender bill 'returns Iowa to common sense'

Last week the Iowa Legislature returned Iowa to common sense by removing gender identity as a protected class in the Iowa Civil Rights Code. The bill also returns the Iowa Code to biological truth by using scientific definitions for male and female by requiring birth certificates to designate gender at birth. more

Bobby Kaufmann | 3/4/25

Tax dollars for school robotics teams

The Iowa Senate passed a few bills on the floor last week. One of them was Senate File 278. This bill supports students on robotics teams by providing more resources and technical assistance to … more

By Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen, R-Walcott | 2/26/25

Percentages make all the difference for school funding

Many of us at the legislative forum in Tipton came away confused by the numbers our state representative and senator used. While we praised them for supporting small newspapers and solar tax credits, … more

By Beth Ahrens | 2/26/25

House file requires insurance company response in 48 hours

This week I am excited to share with you progress on three important topics many of you have been asking me about: access to healthcare, help for veterans, and addressing mental health needs. These three important topics are a high priority for me. more

Bobby Kaufmann | 2/25/25

Senate bill combats ticket-buying ‘bots

I had the honor of running the first bill of the session on the floor. Senate File 146 looks at ticket-buying bots, which have made it nearly impossible for everyday Iowans to get tickets to concerts … more

Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen | 2/19/25

Republicans come through for education

I have been enjoying my interaction with all of you at my Listening Posts. With the exception of the usual handful of people trying to make the meetings a political event and bringing negativity into … more

Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton | 2/19/25

AI seems to dismiss creativity for creative’s sake

It seems like everywhere you turn companies are trying to push the use of AI as the backbone in various creative projects. This company’s using AI for their latest commercial, another … more

2/11/25

House bill cracks down on pharmacy benefit manager abuses in Iowa

For many years I have been writing about my efforts to help our small-town pharmacies in their fight against the unfair practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). These companies are the … more

Rep. Bobby Kaufmann | 2/11/25

Insurance costs, sex-education and water quality are priorities

I was so grateful for a successful exercise in democracy at the listening post in West Branch. People could talk without being harassed. Strangers from across the political spectrum even discovered … more

Suzan Erem | 2/11/25

Bills for school threat assessments, attendance regulation and public syllabi

Session is in full gear and many of the major pieces of legislation you may be hearing about are in their formulation and public input stage. As bills begin to have clarity, I will write about … more

By Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton | 2/5/25

Senate supports increases for public and private school accounts

Last week was also National School Choice Week, providing an opportunity to recognize Iowa’s progress in expanding educational options for families. Since the passage of the Students First Act in … more

By Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen, R-Walcott | 2/5/25

Founders create living document

When researching the Constitution, I learned that the 18th Amendment was passed and later repealed in the 21st Amendment and it made me think about the thoughts and work that are put into making an … more

By Daelyn Samuels | 2/5/25